New Delhi: Uddhav Thackeray, leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), launched a sharp attack on the Maharashtra government led by Eknath Shinde after the collapse of a 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji. Thackeray took particular issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modis apology, describing it as arrogant and asserting that the people of Maharashtra have dismissed it.Comparison to Ram TempleSpeaking at the Maha Vikas Aghadis (MVA) jode maro protest, which translates to hit with footwear, Thackeray compared the statues collapse to recent issues at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the new Parliament building. He suggested that both incidents were symbolic of broader failures. Did you notice the arrogance in the Prime Ministers apology It reeked of arrogance, Thackeray stated. He questioned the reasons behind the apology, asking, Was the PM apologizing for the statue he inaugurated just eight months ago For the corruption involved in its construction Thackeray urged the MVA to unite and defeat those who have disrespected Shivaji Maharaj, calling the statues collapse an insult to the soul of Maharashtra.Watch the video here:Joota Maaro Aandolan by MVA leaders …👏🏻Former CM of Maharashtra Uddhav Thackeray Ji hurled shoes at Eknath Shinde while Congress leader were holding their posters. pic.twitter.com/Flkyb1wrpC— Shantanu (@shaandelhite) September 1, 2024Political row ahead of Maharashtra electionsThe collapse of the statue, which has ignited a major political controversy, comes just months before Maharashtras Assembly elections. Prime Minister Modi, addressing the backlash, expressed regret to the followers of Shivaji, saying, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not merely a name or a king. He is our deity. Today, I bow my head at his feet and apologize to my deity. I also apologize to those hurt by the collapse.Opposition protestThe BJP, along with its ally, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, has criticized the oppositions protests, accusing them of politicizing the issue despite the Prime Ministers apology. Thackeray, responding to these accusations, countered, The BJP claims we are playing politics, but we are defending the states honor. We have gathered at the Gateway of India to tell the Mahayuti government to leave.Protest march led by INDIA bloc leadersProminent leaders of the INDIA bloc in Maharashtra, including Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, and Nana Patole, participated in a protest march that began at Hutatma Chowk and concluded at the Gateway of India. Thackeray reiterated that the statues collapse in Sindhudurg was a clear example of corruption and an affront to all Shivaji devotees.Opposition vows to defeat Shiv Drohi governmentMaharashtra Congress chief, Nana Patole, emphasized that the opposition had sought Shivajis forgiveness for allowing a Shiv drohi (traitor to Shivaji) government to assume power, vowing never to let it happen again. In response, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde condemned the oppositions actions, stating, Shivaji is not a political issue it is a matter of identity and faith for us. The opposition is politicizing an unfortunate incident, but the people of Maharashtra are watching, and they will respond in the upcoming elections.
